Volcano Rabbit

Mexico · tiny animals · rabbits · endangered

Smallest rabbit around. The volcano rabbit is one of the world's tiniest rabbits, much smaller than the fluffy bunnies you might imagine. It weighs only about 400 grams, which is less than a can of soda.

Mountain home only. This special rabbit lives only in pine and alder forests on volcanic slopes in Mexico, nowhere else on Earth. It needs these misty, cool mountain forests to survive.

Lives in families. Volcano rabbits hang out together in groups of 2 to 5 members, making burrows and little runways through the bunchgrasses. They're social animals that stick together rather than living alone.

Most primitive rabbit. Scientists say the volcano rabbit is the most primitive species of rabbit and hare alive today, meaning it's kept features from very ancient rabbit ancestors. It's like a living fossil that helps us understand how all rabbits evolved.

Tiny babies born. Mother volcano rabbits give birth to up to three babies per litter in nests made from little ground depressions lined with fur and plants. The babies stay warm in these cozy homemade beds.